Short answer: Choose a video magnifier based on four things: whether it will stay in one place or move around, whether the text should also be read aloud, whether it should connect to a computer or tablet, and how large the screen should be for the user's field of vision. For newspapers and letters at home, a desktop model with a large screen fits best; for school and several workplaces, a portable camera.
Video magnifier, CCTV, electronic magnifier and reading TV are used for the same thing: a camera that films the text and a screen that shows it enlarged and with strong contrast. In the Danish assistive technology database Hjælpemiddelbasen the group is called "Billedforstørrende systemer" (ISO 22 03 18). You will find all our models under video magnifiers (CCTV). We do not sell small handheld pocket magnifiers.
Four questions before you choose
1. Should it stay in one place or move around?
A desktop video magnifier combines camera, reading table and screen and is always ready on the desk. It suits daily reading at home and a fixed workplace. A portable camera such as ZoomCam weighs about 1.1 kg, folds up and connects to a computer, tablet, monitor or TV. It can also look at a distance, for example at the board in class or a presentation.
2. Should the text also be read aloud?
If the user reads a lot or the eyes tire quickly, speech is a great help: the device recognises the printed text and reads it aloud while it is shown on the screen. Vocatex Plus can read a whole A4 page at once, Vocatex Standard is made for the home with large talking buttons, and ZoomCam Speech is the portable model with speech. If the user has no usable sight, a reading machine is the right choice – see reading machines and text-to-speech.
3. Should it connect to a computer, tablet or TV?
Quartz connects to the computer via HDMI and can show the paper and the computer image side by side. ZoomCam connects via USB-C or HDMI and can be shown in split screen with the magnification programs SuperNova and ZoomText. With the KOBA Vision CONNECT option, the screen of a phone or tablet can be shown on Vocatex Plus, Vocatex Standard, Quartz and EasyViewer.
4. How large should the screen be?
The screen is chosen according to the field of vision. According to KOBA Vision, a 32″ or 43″ screen gives the best overview with a wide field of vision, for example with macular degeneration, while a smaller screen may be better with a narrow field of vision. A larger screen also gives more magnification: EasyViewer goes from 2x on a 22″ screen to 100x on a 43″ screen. A camera field of view of 21–24 cm means the full width of a line can be seen at once.
Think about operation too. Some users do best with few buttons, as on EasyViewer with four buttons and a large wheel; others need more functions, such as a reading line, colour filters and a computer connection.
Which type suits whom?
| Need | Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Newspapers, letters and books at home | Desktop with a large screen | EasyViewer, Iris 27; with speech: Vocatex Standard |
| A lot of reading at work, invoices and tables | Desktop with speech and computer connection | Vocatex Plus |
| Paper and computer on the same screen | Desktop with computer connection | Quartz |
| School, study, the board and several workplaces | Portable camera | ZoomCam; with speech: ZoomCam Speech |
| Faint or poorly printed text, handicrafts | Desktop with extra contrast and working height | Iris Plus 27 |
| No usable sight – the text must be read aloud | Reading machine | EasyReader |
What does a video magnifier cost?
At Inva Store a desktop video magnifier costs from DKK 23,100 (EasyViewer with a 22″ screen) to DKK 35,800 (Vocatex Plus with a 22″ screen). A larger screen costs DKK 700–3,000 extra. The portable ZoomCam costs DKK 28,000 and ZoomCam Speech DKK 33,200. All prices are excl. VAT and apply in October 2026; current prices are listed under video magnifiers (CCTV).
Trial and funding
A video magnifier is an assistive device that the municipality can grant, or that can be applied for through SPS, the education institution or the job centre. The vision consultant assesses the need and helps choose a model. We are happy to send a quote, data sheet and CE documentation and to answer technical questions – write to info@inva.store. See also how municipalities, schools and institutions order.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an electronic magnifier and a video magnifier?
The words are often used for the same thing. An electronic magnifier can be a small handheld pocket model, while a video magnifier (CCTV) has a larger camera and a screen of 22″ or more. For longer reading, writing and work, a video magnifier with a large screen is usually easier to use.
How much magnification is needed?
It depends on the user's sight and the task, and the vision consultant or optician can assess it. Our desktop models magnify from 2x up to about 100x depending on the model and screen size. It is therefore a good idea to choose the screen size together with the vision consultant and to try the device before ordering.
Can a video magnifier be connected to a computer?
Yes. Quartz connects via HDMI and shows the paper and the computer image side by side. The portable ZoomCam connects via USB-C or HDMI and can be shown in split screen with SuperNova or ZoomText. Vocatex Plus can also show the computer and TV picture on the same screen.
Can the device read Danish text aloud?
The models with speech have voices in many languages – Vocatex Plus in 32 and ZoomCam Speech in 34. Which voices are included can depend on the specific model and version. Write to us before ordering and we will confirm the Danish voice for the model you are considering.
Can the municipality grant a video magnifier?
Yes, video magnifiers are assistive devices that the municipality can grant, or that can be applied for through SPS, the education institution or the job centre. The decision is always based on the individual's needs. Contact the vision consultant, and write to us if you need a quote or documentation for the application.
Sources
- Product information and screen size recommendations: KOBA Vision
- The group "Billedforstørrende systemer" (ISO 22 03 18): Hjælpemiddelbasen
See all models under electronic magnifiers and video magnifiers (CCTV).
Responsible for the content: Sergiy Moskalets, Inva Store – working with assistive technology and IT for blind and visually impaired people since 1999. Read more about us.
Last updated: 24 October 2026.